Beyond Order

Beyond Order 12 More Rules For Life 1st Edition Cover Canadian

Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life is a book written by Canadian clinical psychologist and professor Jordan Peterson. It was published in March 2021 as a sequel to his 2018 book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. In Beyond Order, Peterson offers a further 12 practical principles, or rules, for individuals to follow to bring balance between order and chaos in their lives. The book delves into themes such as the importance of personal responsibility, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of meaning.

Summary

Beyond Order builds upon the ideas presented in 12 Rules for Life, emphasizing the necessity of balancing the known and the unknown, or order and chaos, to live a fulfilling life. Peterson argues that too much chaos leads to a destabilizing uncertainty, while too much order can result in rigidity and tyranny. The book is structured around 12 new rules that aim to help readers navigate this balance, drawing from psychology, mythology, religion, and personal anecdotes.

Rules

The 12 rules outlined in Beyond Order are as follows:

1. "Do not carelessly denigrate social institutions or creative achievement."
2. "Imagine who you could be and then aim single-mindedly at that."
3. "Do not hide unwanted things in the fog."
4. "Notice that opportunity lurks where responsibility has been abdicated."
5. "Do not do what you hate."
6. "Abandon ideology."
7. "Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens."
8. "Try to make one room in your home as beautiful as possible."
9. "If old memories still make you cry, write them down carefully and completely."
10. "Plan and work diligently to maintain the romance in your relationships."
11. "Do not allow yourself to become resentful, deceitful, or arrogant."
12. "Be grateful in spite of your suffering."

Each rule is explored in its own chapter, where Peterson uses a combination of scientific research, philosophical insights, and personal experiences to unpack the advice and its application to everyday life.

Reception

The reception of Beyond Order has been mixed. Supporters of Peterson have praised the book for its insightful advice and the depth of its philosophical and psychological exploration. Critics, however, have raised concerns about Peterson's views on social issues and his interpretations of certain concepts. Despite the controversy, the book has been a commercial success, topping bestseller lists in multiple countries.

See Also

• Jordan Peterson
• 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
• Psychology
• Philosophy